10 Must Know Chinese Measure Words

The myth about countless Chinese measure words has long been a nightmare for Mandarin learners. I believe all of you have experienced or are about to see this bewildering problem. So, to clear things off, I write this post to list the 10 most common Chinese measure words for you.

For speaking, I know “gè 个” is the first measure word you learn, and truth is when the Chinese kids start to learn the language, it is also the first measure word they learn. And before knowing the other measure words, they would also stick to this default “gè 个”. But as they gained years of experience with the language, they’ll learn more and more measure words, both really common ones and rarely used ones. Altogether the measure words are important to be fluent with because if you just use “gè 个”, people would either look at you in a confusing way and might actually correct your measure word.

When you use money

This is probably the most common one in everybody’s life.7. kuai 块: is the unit for RMB. 一块钱 One yuan

When you go to places

8. Jiā 家: Its original meaning "home" or "family", and it can also be used as a measure word. In this context, it is related to household of people, or establishments (shops, restaurants, etc.) This company (这家公司 zhè jiā gōngsī), four restaurants (四家饭店 sì jiā fàndiàn), a bar (一家酒吧 yī jiā jiǔbā).

About The Author

Lilian Li

Lilian has a master’s degree in linguistics and didactics from Rennes University in France. An expert in linguistics and educational psychology, she has taught Chinese as a foreign language for several years, primarily in France. Her classes follow a logical and thorough path to ensure students build a methodology of learning that will continue to help them improve their language ability. She likes jogging, swimming, partying, and hang out with friends!
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